These easy no bake lime margarita cheesecake cups are the perfect treat for all margarita lovers! Each individual cup has layers of graham cracker and a dreamy lime and margarita cream cheesecake. You can top the cups off with a little whipped cream and you have a classic cocktail turned into a dessert!
Margaritas are my favorite cocktail! So taking the flavor profile of a margarita and turning it into a tasty dessert was a no brainer! I mean, why not eat your favorite drink? I promise, if you love margaritas, this easy lime margarita cheesecake cup is a must try!
The graham cracker layers are basic but oh so delicious! It adds texture to the cloud-like cheesecake bites and a touch more sweetness. Andy you can customize how much you put into the cups based on your personal preference!
No matter how you build your cups, I promise, they will not last long! They are perfect for parties, dessert or just for fun!
Looking for more lime recipes? Check out my ricotta lime loaf cake recipe! It is bursting with fresh lime flavors and the perfect treat for the whole family.
Why you will love these easy no bake lime margarita cheesecake cups
Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients to make these margarita cheesecake cups! And you do not even have to turn on the oven! Perfect for the summer months when you need a refreshing dessert that does not require a hot oven!
Perfect for parties: These cups are individual size making them perfect for parties! They are also amazing for Cinco De Mayo, or any adult get together! But trust me, you do not need to have a party to whip up these adult desserts in a cup!
Delicious: I feel like this one should be a given, but it’s true! They are so GOOD, it’s hard to just have one! They are not overly sweet and have just a touch of tequila flavor without being overwhelming! The perfect flavor match with the lime zest and juice.
Do these margarita cheesecake cups have alcohol in them?
Yes, these cups do have tequila and orange liqueur, making this dessert just for the grown-ups. And because this recipe is a no bake, the alcohol does not burn off at all.
That said, the alcohol content is low. You will not be feeling the effects from the tequila in these lime margarita cups. There is just enough tequila and orange liqueur to give these cups the classic margarita flavor!
What kind of glass cups or jars should you use?
I personally love to use glass jars that have a lid for easy storing in the fridge for these margarita cups but you can use whatever you have on hand!
I find that 6–8-ounce jars or cups work the best, but you could always make them a little smaller and get more cups by going with 4-ounce jars.
If making for a party, stemless wine glasses look really pretty or any other decorative glass.
If you go with 8-ounce jars, you will get about 4-5 jars depending how much you fill each one.
What you need to make these margarita cups
Graham Crackers: You will need about 5-6 sheets of graham crackers crushed up to create the sweet graham layers.
Melted Butter: Mixed into the crushed graham crackers to add just a touch of texture.
Sweetened condensed Milk: This is the only sweetener used in the recipe! It makes the fluffy lime cream cheese perfectly sweet as well as adds to the texture!
Lime zest and lime juice: Gives the cream cheese that zesty citrus flavor! You will need the zest from on large lime and the juice from 2-3 limes to get 1/4 cup. I like to use organic limes for this recipe since the zest is being used but that is a personal preference.
Tequila: Use your favorite Blanco tequila to add that perfect margarita flavor! I have never tested the recipe with reposado tequila so I am not sure how much it would change the flavor profile. If you give it a try, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Orange liqueur: A touch of orange boosts that margarita flavor! You can use an orange liqueur or triple sec. In a pinch, orange juice would also work.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes these cheesecake cups light and fluffy!
Cream cheese: Adds that cheesecake flavor and texture! You can use full fat or reduced.
Tips and tricks
- Make sure your heavy cream is cold when you start to whip it! This will help the fat in the cream be more stable which is what will create a light and fluffy whipped cream. Be sure to place the whipped cream in the fridge to keep it cool while you beat the cream cheese mixture.
- You can make this lime cheesecake alcohol free by leaving out the tequila and using orange juice or even a touch of orange extract in place of the orange liqueur. This will slightly change the flavor profile to more of a key lime pie instead of a margarita, but still delicious!
- For best results, refrigerate the prepared cups for at least 2 hours prior to eating. But if you are short on time or just can’t wait to dig in, you can eat them before the 2-hour mark. They cream cheese texture is like a cloud when it has more time to cool.
- You will get about 4-5 cups with 8-ounce jars. But it depends on jar/cup size and how much you fill each one with the graham crackers and cream cheese.
- You can store the cups for about 3 days in the refrigerator with a sealed lid. For best results, wait to add any extra toppings you may wish to use, such as whipped cream, lime slices, or lime zest, until ready to serve.
If you give these easy no bake lime margarita cheesecake cups a try, be sure to let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.
From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! I hope you love these margarita cheesecake cups as much as we do!
Easy No Bake Lime Margarita Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients
- 5-6 sheets Graham crackers
- 2 Tbsp. Butter melted
- 1 Large Lime zested
- 1/4 C. Lime juice
- 1 C. Sweetened Condensed milk
- 2 Tbsp. Tequila silver
- 1 tsp. orange liqueur or triple sec
- 1/2 C. Heavy cream cold
- 8 oz. Cream cheese softened
Instructions
- Makes 4-6 cups or jars depending on size.
- Make the graham cracker layers by placing them in a food processor and blending until sand like texture. Add to a bowl and pour over melted butter. Still until combined. Set aside until ready to build the cups.
- Using a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, add the cold heavy cream. Whip together using a wire whip attachment or a hand electric mixer until the heavy cream starts to create peaks. Remove from the bowl and place in a second bowl in the refrigerator to keep cold.
- Add the cream cheese to the mixing bowl with the condensed milk. Beat together until smooth. Add in the lime juice, lime zest, tequila, and orange liqueur. Beat together until smooth and all the ingredients are combined.
- Start to build the cups by adding a layer of graham cracker to the bottom of your glass cup or jar. 6-8 ounce cups or jars work the best. Carefully spoon or pipe the cream cheese over the graham cracker. Add a second layer of graham cracker and top with the cream cheese. Repeat for the al the cups until the ingredients are gone.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours prior to serving for best results. If desired, top with whipped cream, lime zest or lime wedge when ready to enjoy!
